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A-Rod suspended for remainder of 2013, all of 2014 season

Alex Rodriguez, the highest-paid player in baseball history and once regarded as an antidote to the game's steroid era, was suspended on Monday for 211 games after being found in violation of Major League Baseball's anti-drug policy. The suspension begins Thursday.

Rodriguez is appealing the ban – which extends through the 2014 season – and, as a player who has not been suspended previously, can play during the appeal process. He is expected to be in the New York Yankees lineup Monday night for their game against the Chicago White Sox. Rodriguezbecomes the most decorated player to be disciplined over the nearly decade-long program, a list that includes noted sluggers Rafael Palmeiro, Manny Ramirez and, recently, Ryan Braun.

A three-time league MVP, fifth on baseball's career home run list, and recipient of the two largest contracts ever awarded, the New York Yankees third baseman was targeted through the league's investigation into the South Florida anti-aging clinic, Biogenesis of America, and the company's ties to major- and minor-league players.

UPDATE: Players Union responds

The head of the Major League Baseball Players Association doesn't believe Commissioner Bud Selig acted appropriately in the suspension of Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez. Michael Weiner says the union is supporting A-Rod's appeal of the suspension which carries through next season. He also believes Selig's decision does not fall in line with the collective bargaining agreement. A dozen others were hit with 50-game bans.